In remarks today at the 2nd National Conference on Drug Abuse Prevention Research, Dr. Alan I. Leshner, director, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), announced that NIDA will commit $30 million over the next two years to stimulate research that will fill critical gaps in the knowledge and use of science-based drug abuse prevention strategies in communities across the country.

"Our goal is to provide the resources to bring the full power of science to bear on the challenge of developing effective drug abuse prevention programs," Dr. Leshner said.

The National Drug Abuse Prevention Research System will include two components: Transdisciplinary Prevention Research Centers that will blend basic and applied research and involve researchers and practitioners across the country, and Multi-site Prevention Effectiveness Trials that will test the effectiveness of drug abuse prevention programs in diverse populations and encourage the local adoption of these programs.

Note to reporters: The agenda for the 2nd National Conference on Drug Abuse Prevention Research and other information about drug abuse prevention is available on NIDA's website at www.drugabuse.gov. To arrange interviews, please call NIDA's Conference Registration at
202-756-5304 or NIDA's Public Information Office at 301-443-6245.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports more than 85 percent of the world's research on the health aspects of drug abuse and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to ensure the rapid dissemination of research information and its implementation in policy and practice. Fact sheets on the health effects of drugs of abuse and other topics can be ordered free of charge in English and Spanish through NIDA Infofax at 1-888-NIH-NIDA (644-6432) or 1-888-TTY-NIDA (889-6432) for the deaf. These fact sheets and further information on NIDA research and other activities can be found on the NIDA home page at http://www.drugabuse.gov.